Papua New Guinea businesses are being urged to take up trade opportunities in other Melanesian countries.

The call comes from the PNG membership of the Melanesian Indigenous Business Council established in a symposium last month in Fiji.

An affiliate of the PNG Indigenous Business Council, Hubert Namani, says it is time for the private sector to lead the way in taking advantage of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Trade Agreement which provides for free trade within the region.

"We can go, PNG can go to Fiji, through Melanesia, without a visa, whereas with Australia and New Zealand, we have to apply for a visa. So in terms of business, you can just get on a flight and go to Fiji and talk business with them. Besides, for PNG it's cheaper doing business in those countries than in PNG. And at the same time, looking at the investment, we should also look at investment destinations in Melanesia, within the region, before going out."

An affiliate of the PNG Indigenous Business Council, Hubert Namani.RNZI